May 2008 was a watershed month for 5031 - it emerged from two
months at Busworks in Blackpool with a full repaint as well as
many other detail jobs completed. It is seen here the day after
its return south at the Bristol Centenary rally at the
Harbourside complex.

Photo : Rob Sly

5031 returned to the West Country for the first time in
nearly twenty years in March 2007. The bus was taxed for the
first time since 1998 and restoration was well under way by
this time.

Photo : Rob Sly

Your author received a phone call in April 1998 from
Mark Bennett to say that
5031 was at the bus graveyard in Carlton and was in danger of
being broken up later that week. What else could he do than go
up and rescue his favourite VR? Seen here having just been
pulled out of the scrap line at Alan Hardwick's yard, it is in
the final overall advertising livery carried during its time
with AA Trans Alv.

Photo : Michael Hill

5031 was quite a survivor after its sale by Midland Red
West. Passing through several owners it ended up with AA Trans
Alv near Derby who painted it in this overall livery for a
local nightclub. It remained the only VR in this fleet for
nearly six years, apparently becoming something of a local
celebrity itself with clubbers in Derby.

Photo : Graham Jones

5031 was repainted in City Line livery immediately prior to
transfer to Midland Red West. It is seen in Redditch in June
1988 with MRW logos at the front and rear corner.

Photo : Rob Sly

5031 was the last vehicle in NBC green livery operating in
the City of Bristol. It is seen here at The Centre with
Cityline fleetname in early 1987, just prior to repaint out of
these colours.

Seen soon after entering service, 5031 was one of the first vehicles
delivered to Cheltenham District in NBC green livery, earlier
deliveries having carried red livery.

Photo : Martin S Curtis

This rare view shows 5031 before entering service, parked up
at Lawrence Hill in Bristol. Of particular note is the rear
route number blind which was painted over before entering
service in Cheltenham. Later the aperture was removed
permanently with new panels.

If you can correct or enhance the history of the
vehicle or claim copyright on an unclaimed photo on this page please email
rob@robsly.com and I will be only too happy to
incorporate your comments.